UN: Political divisions have hampered the constitution

At a meeting held at the United Nations headquarters, the Security Council has reviewed the current situation in Kosovo, with particular emphasis on political divisions that have hampered the normal functioning of state institutions.

Secretary General Antonio Guterres' report, and the presentation of UNMIK representatives, brought to the attention institutional challenges, the need for sustainable dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, as well as concerns about the approach of non-combat communities to basic services.

The deputy boss of UNMIK, Milbert Dongjoon Shi, stressed institutional challenges in the country, including the lack of full institution-restitution after local elections.

While we await candidates and participating lists this year, only one municipality will be led by a woman. I hope local administrations will be formed that can serve all residents. Local powers are closer to the community, and their actual functioning helps translate voices into actions that shape everyday lives of all. ”

Shin welcomed meetings between Pristina and Belgrade and stressed the importance of dialogue on resolving open issues.

Since the elections in February, divisions among political parties have not allowed the constitution and the formation of the government. This has been the main obstacle to the functioning of central institutions. On October 10th, with the Serbian deputy chairman elected, the Assembly has been declared binding. Later, ten members of the Assembly, including nine from the Serbian party “Kalista”, rejected this election before the Constitutional Court.

In anticipation of the Court's decision, we reiterate that respecting the independence of the judiciary remains a fundamental pillar of democratic society. We also express hope that, in line with the final decision of the Court, political divisions can soon be overcome so that the people of Kosovo can be represented and served by their institutions.

We welcome the dialogue meetings held in June and September between Belgrade and Pristina in Brussels. We urge both sides to avoid actions that could undermine trust and encourage them to address the unresolved issues constructively and confidently, within the framework of dialogue, under the leadership of EU Special Representative Peter Sorensen, and in line with existing commitments,” he stressed.

He expressed concern about the impact of new legal measures and the closure of Serbian institutions on the approach of non-communication communities to basic services.

We also welcome the July meeting of the Working Group for Missing Persons, led by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Sincere commitment to help clarify the fate of missing persons and bring comfort to their families' lasting pain remains a noble and essential humanitarian effort. Our mission remains committed to supporting all efforts related to resolving the fate of missing persons.

Earlier this year, Kosovo authorities enabled many residents with documents from Serbia-led institutions to regulate their status in the Kosovo system. We welcome this positive step. We also encourage authorities to establish a more sustainable route for civil registration, as commitment to seek solutions can enable all members of non-communal communities to equip themselves with necessary documents and enjoy equal access to services,” he added, broadcast EO.

He called for genuine commitment by authorities with all communities, to avoid escalation of tensions and to ensure involvement and equality.

Kosovo's <x0).Authorities have recently announced that full implementation of the Foreign Law and the Automnet Law will begin on 1 November. This could bring administrative challenges that affect access to fundamental rights and services, including healthcare, education and employment. This is particularly disturbing for Kosovo's regular residents from non-communal communities, who still face difficulties to obtain necessary documentation. These issues should be involved in new efforts to find suitable solutions.

We repeat the concerns we and our international partners have expressed regarding the possible impact of closing Serbia-led institutions on access to health, education and culture. Authorities in Pristina have stressed the legal and administrative reasons behind these measures, and issues remain complicated. It is important that authorities in Pristina sincerely engage with all communities involved before implementing decisions affecting everyday life, and seek applicable alternatives to avoid or minimize negative influences.

We assess, in this direction, the EU Special Representative's continued efforts in Pristina to co-operate with the affected authorities and communities, with the aim of easing the effects of decisions that affect mainly non-communicate communities.

In my discussions with political, religious and communitarian leaders, as well as with civil society representatives from all communities, conversationaries have repeatedly stressed the importance of dialogue on building confidence in managing these complex issues,” it concluded.. /Periscopi/